< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Lincolnshire wildlife A s the only blue butterfly to be regularly seen fluttering among our gardens, parks and city centres, the Holly Blue enjoys a special place in the pantheon of British wildlife. Numbers of the butterfly, however, have dwindled for years. Fortunately, 2015 saw a renaissance, with the Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count reporting a 151 per cent rise in 2015 on the previous years. Since then, you might have seen more Holly Blues when gardening or even enjoying a stroll through one of the county’s many market towns or park attractions. Being a beautiful azure shade, the Holly Blue is among the most easily identifiable butterflies. Their pale blue underside, dotted in small black spots, tells them apart from the Common Blue. Females can be spotted by the black edges around the wings. Holly Blues will be abundant from early spring, being as it emerges well before other blue butterflies – much to the delight of wildlife photographers across the county. It will be active from March through to May, meaning now is the perfect time to get out in your garden or local park and see them for yourselves. Should you miss them this time, fear not, as they’ll be active again in late summer. For the best chance, keep an eye out on holly bushes, where it congregates in spring or, later, ivy which it’s fond of in summer. Despite its once southerly presence, the butterfly has flown further north, colonising parts of the Midlands and northern England. Despite being widespread, numbers of Holly Blues can fluctuate year on year, so if 2023 proves to be a quiet year on the butterfly front, perhaps try again next year. The reason for these fluctuations is due in part to climate, but also to the parasitic wasp Listrodomus nycthemerus, which kills a number of caterpillars. Although Holly Blue caterpillars enjoy eating the aforementioned holly and ivy, adults are partial to drinking oozing sap, aphid honeydew and carrion juices. Quite the banquet that. There are few sights as emblematic of British wildlife as a butterfly with its bejewelled wings. Keep your eyes open this May to catch a glimpse of one of the country’s most beautiful specimens. With its areas of natural beauty, Lincolnshire is a veritable haven for butterflies. Here we take a look at one of the most majestic – the Holly Blue. 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:53 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 © stock.adobe.com/Sander Meertins 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:53 Page 252 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING © stock.adobe.com/Syda Productions C rowning King Charles our new monarch means a May packed with bank holiday weekends to enjoy, and we’ll all want to make the most of them with our families. But despite the first quarter of the year being behind us, the weather remains changeable, cold snaps and blustery winds still creeping in between summerlike patches of surprisingly intense sun. It’s understandable to hope for warmer climes, and to run to grab them while we can when they do come along. When we’re caring for elderly or more vulnerable loved ones however, it’s important to keep in mind that they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of sun exposure. Don’t worry unnecessarily, as there are plenty of preparative measures that can be taken to ensure everyone stays protected from the sun. It’s only when these protections get left behind, or forgotten in the excitement and eagerness to soak up those rays, that can bear unfortunate or unpleasant consequences. Keeping a handy list in a note on the fridge or a smartphone, depending on how high-tech you are, can make all the difference when packing or reminding yourself what you might need at different times during the day. There can be a lot to remember, as there are many considerations to take into account when older folks are spending a long time outside. Though it may sound condescending, as we age, our bodies become less efficient in regulating temperature. In colder weather it’s easier to layer up with hats, scarves and jumpers, but on the other hand it can be more challenging to stay cool in warmer temperatures. Layers of clothing are still essential on hotter days, both for warmth and sun defence, but these must be adapted to multiple light items that can be swapped in or out as needed. A cardigan or thin jumper teamed with a blanket, and perhaps a waterproof coat or jacket, provide plenty of options to mix and Put a spring in your step Put a spring in your step Spring is well underway and bringing with it the familiar signifiers of new beginnings. This year though, there’s more to celebrate and prepare for than just longer, sunnier days and the rebirth of nature, especially where our elders are concerned. 54 Á 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:55 Page 101652 653 595 01652 649 024 enquiries@obriensopticians.co.uk www. obriensopticians.co.uk 43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS DRY AMD? (AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION) TREATMENT AVAILABLE NOW! Hospital Grade Advanced OCT Eye Exams by Dr Janjua Specialist Lenses For Various Eye Conditions Widest Variety of Frames in Brigg 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:55 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING T FEBRUA29£ RY2023 Fbl Foundat B ti itipositive Feeling fashion F gardens Homesa d COLNSHIRETODAYNETCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET WWWLINCWWW.LINC Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea? match according to what the weather brings. Apart from these few things requiring a little extra bag space, the sun safety advice is the same as for anyone. Regularly apply a high SPF factor sunblock, take note of where to find shady patches as these shift throughout the day, and make sure everyone is covered with at least a sunhat – no area of skin should be left exposed to direct sun for too long, even with SPF applied. Following these guidelines are even more crucial when caring for older people, as age makes us more vulnerable to sunburn, sunstroke and heat exhaustion, and the effects can be more severe and long-lasting. Sunburn, for instance, can be especially harmful to older skin, which lacks the same level of vitamins and defences as younger skin. Older people are also at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. While sunburn may cause mild discomfort for a few days in a person in their twenties, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and damaging for older individuals. As we age, we become slower to recover from what would have been minor maladies for someone younger – even simple issues like bruising may take weeks or even months to heal. If your loved ones are settled in a comfortable care home, there should be very little to worry about when they’re indoors. To ensure the wellbeing of elderly residents, the best care facilities and homes will be equipped with air- conditioned facilities. However, in ever- changing British weather, it may be necessary to adjust settings frequently. Units in individual bedrooms can also be employed to allow residents to personalise the temperature to their preferences, as everyone has a different comfort level. For homes without in-built air conditioning, and those caring for loved ones at home, heat can be kept at bay with fans or portable air-con units. Drawing curtains and blinds against the sun, while keeping windows open behind them, will also help keep any space cooler as we climb into summer temperatures. When you do venture out though, mobility must be given careful thought in advance. It’s always a good idea to plan wheelchair accessibility well in advance © stock.adobe.com/Hunor Kristo 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:55 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 Winter Storage Only £75 include a Service for only £25 extra Scooters kept securely and charged weekly Service & Repairs We have an up to date fully equipped Service Centre to help with any breakdowns or repairs 207 Roman Bank, Skegness, Lincolnshire Tel: 01754 768006 Hire WheelchairWheelchair £5.00 per day £25.00 per week £25 refundable Deposit Scooter Scooter £15.00 per day £75.00 per week £50 refundable Deposit Funeral Services Our funeral homes provide the best facilities including private arrangement rooms and peaceful chapels of rest. We also provide a funeral dividend during this difficult time of bereavement. A service from caring professionals To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder and even consider visiting the location beforehand to assess its suitability. For instance, although the promenade along the east coast is a lovely place to walk, sand blown by the wind can create obstacles for those using wheelchairs. Proximity to healthcare facilities should also be part of planning any trips, in case of emergencies. Thankfully, many establishments now have defibrillators available for public use, which can be life-saving in a critical situation. Keeping any elderly people in your care cool, comfortable and safe, and all their needs attended to, is an absolute priority. But it’s also far too easy to get bogged down in worrying over the details of preparation and caring for health, while overlooking the emotional wellbeing that’s just as important. Here it’s truly the simple things that will make a great difference to how your elders feel in any weather. Access to the outdoors has scientifically proven mental health and wellness benefits that should be freely enjoyed by anyone, unless more severe health issues make this a danger more than an advantage. However, just sitting in a garden or public park adorned by nature’s beauty is enough to fulfil this most simple of pleasures for its miraculously mood-boosting effect. With all this in mind, do still remember to embrace the joys of spring and summer. This time of year already brings so much to celebrate, even without the added thrill of a coronation. Our older loved ones and community members have just as much right as anyone to cut loose or relax as they wish to around the regal festivities. This extra new beginning is the perfect excuse to be present with those we care for, and help remind them how alive and vital they are. Whenever sunny weather get-togethers are afoot, the duties of caring need only be a footnote to the opportunity to enjoy the moment, and make shared memories to treasure. © stock.adobe.com/Phase4Photography 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:55 Page 456 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY C aesar was the first Roman emperor to try – unsuccessfully - to conquer Britain for the Roman empire in 55/54BC but it was not until almost a century later, under Claudius in 43AD, that the province of Britannia was established. Although full conquest took time the date the Romans reached Lincolnshire is not precisely known, it was probably not before AD47 and quite possibly even later. However, it was Legion IX (Hispana) then Legion II (Adiutrix) who eventually established a fortress at Lincoln hilltop, a site that later expanded downhill to the Witham before eventually becoming a city and finally the Lindum Colonia; a settlement for retired legionnaires. The most obvious Roman legacy in Lincolnshire is their communications infrastructure in the form of canals such as the Car Dyke (generally accepted as Roman) and the Fosse Dyke. But it is particularly their roads, which were built initially for military purposes, that remain perhaps the most the most long-lasting and obvious Roman features of our landscape today. Of these Ermine Street is perhaps the best known and longest within the county forming part of the route between London and York - entering Lincolnshire at Stamford and leading (via Lincoln) to the Humber bank near Winteringham where the site of a Romano- British settlement is known. Second comes the Fosse Way. This was initially a military frontier route between the conquered southeast and the unconquered northwest stretching from Lincoln to Exeter. Also, within Lincolnshire were other secondary, but still important, Roman roads such as the Salter’s Way linking the Fosse Way via Salter’s Ford (near Grantham) and Bridgend causeway onto the fens and coast where several salterns (salt making sites) are known. Another, Tillbridge Lane, provided an alternative route from Lincoln to York having an easier ferry route across the Trent than that over the Humber. King Street left Ermine Street to the west of Peterborough heading north towards Bourne where it split, one branch going northwest via Stainfield to re-join Ermine Street, the other keeping ahead to Sleaford. Another road left Lincoln across the Wolds to the Wash and a ferry from somewhere near Burgh-le-Marsh to link with Peddar’s way in Norfolk. A further route across the Wolds (the High Street) linked Horncastle and Caistor. Alongside these routes were established several marching camps and settlements. Examples are the Romano-British settlement beside Ermine Street near Navenby and that of a marching camp near Ancaster, the name deriving from the Roman “Castra”; a military or legionary fort. From this we get the legacy of the “Castra” element in several other This month we look at Lincolnshire’s Roman heritage. Lincolnshire explored NEWPORT ARCH ERMINE STREET NEAR NAVENBY 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 Lincolnshire placenames such as Caistor, Horncastle and Casterton. Horncastle, a walled town between the rivers Bain and Waring, and just south of the road to the Wash mentioned above, covered an area of approximately 6 acres. It boasts two surviving sections of roman wall; one down Manor House Street, the other in the library. Caistor, linked to Horncastle via the High Street, was a little larger at around 8 acres, and well supplied with springs. It too has some surviving wall against the southern boundary of the churchyard. Ancaster, lying astride the Ermine Street, has several Roman sites which are best explored by following the village trail. Two curiosities are a couple of Roman stone coffins in the cemetery and a statue (replica) of three fertility goddesses let into the churchyard wall. Somewhere in the Skegness - or Burgh- le-Marsh - area there may have been a fortified settlement at end of the road from Lincoln to the Wash. Other sites with known Roman connections are at Old Sleaford where Mareham Lane forded the River Slea and at Dragonby, South Carlton and (particularly) Torksey where there were pottery kilns. The word “villa” denotes buildings of a variety of types and sizes, often including a farm or a small surrounding settlement often near to good roads. Examples of known villa sites are at Denton, Norton Disney, Haceby and Belchford. Finds of Roman artifacts have been made at Winterton and Walesby. One of the best Roman “finds” was near the Humber at Horkstow in 1796, the famous mosaic of charioteers, now in the British Museum. In Stamford, along The Meadows, is a memorial marking where Ermine Street forded the River Welland. So, what else is left of the Roman occupation that is still visible today? Of course, many of their roads are still there for us to drive along. But it is in Lincoln that there is most to see since it was the site of the legionary fort, walled Roman city and Lindum Colonia. By the Lincoln Hotel is the excavated site of the Roman Eastgate and of course the Newport Arch; the only British Roman gateway still in everyday use. The East Bight follows the line of their city wall, passing the site of a Roman reservoir and an aqueduct that brought water from the higher ground to the north. The 25 feet high Mint Wall (the forum boundary) is located just off Westgate whilst in Bailgate are pavement markers indicating the actual forum site. The earliest church at St Paul’s- in-the-Bail (also in Westgate) may have been Roman but conclusive evidence is lacking (scattered around Uphill Lincoln are numerous illustrated information boards relating to the remains or sites of Roman Lincoln mentioned above). The exact end of the Roman era is uncertain but from the late C4th attacks in the north by the Picts were increasing, as were attacks upon the Roman empire in Europe. However, AD410 is the usually accepted date that Emperor Honorius wrote to Britannic tribal chiefs telling them they must now to defend themselves. And finally! What are definitely not Roman are the “Roman Banks” around the Wash coastline. These have been proven to be mediaeval. by Hugh Marrows ROMAN WALL HORNCASTLE ROMAN STONE COFFIN ROMAN EAST GATE REMAINS ROMAN COFFIN ANCASTER CEMETERY REPLICA LEGION STANDARD ANCASTER 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:56 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING MINI Clubman In 1969, the first Mini Clubman rewrote the rule book. It was an instant hit, dominating the 1970’s automotive market as a station wagon with its long wheelbase, extended shooting-brake body, and characteristic split doors at the rear. Today, the MINI Clubman remains one of the most versatile MINI models in the range and is forever synonymous with its signature rear split doors. The MINI Clubman Final Edition is a limited run of 1,969 units - paying homage to the launch year of the original vehicle - with just 100 models for the UK. Powered by a 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, the MINI Clubman Final Edition (fuel consumption combined: 6.5 l/62 miles; CO2 emissions combined: 147 g/km according to WLTP) is offered with a Cooper S engine that delivers 178 hp. The interior of the MINI Clubman Final Edition features door sill trims embellished with “Final Edition” lettering which are also found on the lower spoke of the Nappa leather steering wheel. MINI Yours leather sports seats – finished exclusively in Dark Maroon Leather – offer sewn-in edition-specific badging, seat heating and adjustable thigh support. Mercedes-Benz GLB Numerous innovations and more extensive standard equipment – Mercedes-Benz is making the spacious GLB compact SUV even more attractive for customers. The redesigned front bumper with visual underbody protection points to its off-road genes. The SUV radiator grille with four horizontal louvres and central star underlines this impression. The athletic shoulder shape, with coherently modelled 60 Á We look this month at an eclectic range of motors covering the whole spectrum, from the pinnacle of sports cars to an old classic to be released in limited numbers. 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:58 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 COUNTY MOTORING MINI Clubman 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 18/04/2023 08:58 Page 2Next >